Trent Rockets’ Rovman Powell propelled his team to a thrilling six-wicket victory over Oval Invincibles at Trent Bridge, keeping their hopes of reaching the Hundred final alive.
The Invincibles, who had been on the cusp of securing a spot in Sunday’s final at Lord’s, were denied by Powell’s explosive hitting. Despite their loss, they remain favorites to advance directly to the final as group winners. However, Birmingham Phoenix could overtake them on net run-rate with a substantial victory over Manchester Originals on Thursday.
Invincibles captain Sam Billings acknowledged the Rockets’ strength, stating that their season could have been different. He emphasized the importance of adapting to different conditions, as the Oval played differently from Lord’s.
Powell joined Tom Alsop at the crease with the Rockets needing 95 runs from 52 balls and three wickets down. The duo formed an 80-run partnership in just 32 balls, propelling the Rockets towards the Invincibles’ total of 150.
Powell’s pyrotechnics included four sixes, one of which traveled 101 meters off Sam Curran’s bowling. However, Curran eventually induced Powell to miscue a lofted drive to long-on.
Despite Powell’s dismissal, Alsop and Chris Green guided the Rockets to victory with six balls to spare.
The Invincibles had earlier posted a competitive 150 for 3, thanks to Dawid Malan’s composed half-century and contributions from Will Jacks and Jordan Cox.
Saqib Mahmood bowled with pace and hostility for the Rockets, accounting for Tom Banton. Alex Hales and Joe Root provided a recovery, but their dismissals gave the Invincibles hope.
However, Powell and Alsop’s heroics ensured that the Rockets kept their playoff hopes alive.
